Loosely based on the novel from Isaac Asimov, I, ROBOT is an action-packed, CGI-laden thrill ride from director Alex Proyas (THE CROW). Set in 2035, Will Smith stars as Chicago law enforcer Detective Del Spooner. Called upon to investigate the mysterious suicide of scientist Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell), Spooner deduces that Lanning didn't kill himself but was, in fact, murdered. Lanning worked for the US Robotics headquarters, where he constructed friendly robots designed to help humans with mundane tasks. Lanning's creations are prevalent all over the city, and have been fully integrated into the culture. They are allegedly programmed not to harm humans, but as Spooner digs deeper, his investigations lead him to a new type of robot that Lanning was working on before his death, and one of these models--the highly charismatic Sonny--becomes the prime suspect in the case. Spooner bears a grudge against robots due to an unfortunate incident, so his case against Sonny is met with shrugs of indifference from colleagues who know his prejudices all too well. Fortunately he meets an ally, and a romantic interest, in Dr. Susan Calvin (Bridget Moynahan), who agrees to help him. As Sonny is cured of his violent tendencies, the other robots amass across the city, working on the assumption that they need to control humanity in order to safeguard its future.
Director Proyas unleashes a fearsome arsenal of special effects, while Spooner and Calvin chase the errant robots all over the city. Sonny's facial features and voice are digitally manipulated from the actor Alan Tudyk, lending an unnerving element of humanity to the character. Smith and Moynahan give convincing performances throughout, and as the action races towards a nail-biting conclusion, the message of the movie suggests that technologies built to help mankind could also provide its downfall.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Dolby Surround - Spanish, French
DTS 5.1 - English
Subtitles - English, Spanish - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary: Alex Proyas - Director; Akiva Goldsman - Screenwriter
Trailers: Bonus Trailers
Behind the Scenes:
1. Making of I , ROBOT
2. Fox's Inside Look at MR. AND MRS. SMITH, ROBOTS, ELEKTRA
Text/Photo Galleries:
Stills/Photos
Executive Producer
Anthony Romano: Executive Producer, I, ROBOT (2004)
Executive Producer
James Lassiter: Producer, ALI (2001)
Executive Producer
Michel Shane: Producer, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (2002)
Executive Producer
Wyck Godfrey: Producer, DADDY DAY CARE (2003)
Source Writer
Isaac Asimov: American Science Fiction Author
Director of Photography
Simon Duggan: Australian DOP
Review 1:
"[T]his is state-of-the-art sci-fi, slick and silvery....It's intelligent..."
Source: Uncut
p.130 09/01/2004
Review 2:
"[I]t has some nifty choreographed scenes of leaping malevolent droids on the attack."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.54-5 07/23/2004